Johnson Headlines Five Rams Earning Atlantic 10 Postseason Honors

Nov 07, 2012

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Five VCU players received Atlantic 10 Conference postseason honors Wednesday after a vote of the league's head coaches. Junior Jason Johnson highlighted the Rams' accolades as he was recognized as the league's Offensive Player of the Year, while also being named to the A-10's first team.

VCU was one of just three A-10 teams to have multiple players on the first team as junior Romena Bowie joined Johnson on the league's top squad. Freshman Dennis Castillo received second team honors, while both Castillo and classmate Devon Fisher were named to the All-Rookie squad. Junior goalkeeper Andrew Wells was also named to the All-Academic Team.

"I'm very happy for the guys who were recognized by the league today," said VCU Head Coach Dave Giffard. "To be selected out of the 16 teams to make the All A-10 list is quite an accomplishment. I do feel for some guys who I think got snubbed, not just on our team, but on others. Unfortunately, those types of things happen anytime you have postseason lists. We were certainly fortunate to have so many players recognized for their hard work. These awards are also a byproduct of team success, so we'll accept these individual accolades as a group compliment as well."

Johnson led the A-10 with 13 goals and 32 points, while adding six assists which ranked eighth in the league. He also made his presence felt nationally, ranking in the top 10 in both goals and points. Entering Thursday conference tournament, Johnson has scored in seven of VCU's last 10 matches.

Despite playing through nagging injuries this season, Bowie also garnered first team recognition from his midfield spot. He played in 16 of the Rams' 17 contests, assisting on a pair of goals against Seton Hall on Sept. 9.

Castillo and Fisher were both rewarded for standout freshman campaigns. Castillo has scored five times from the Rams' back line, including a perfect 2-for-2 on penalty kicks. He has also helped VCU's defense post four shutouts this season. Fisher, meanwhile, ranks second on the team in goals (6) and leads the Rams with three game-winning tallies.

Wells, who saw his first action since his freshman campaign in 2009, has played every minute in goal this season, leading VCU to four shutouts. The Richmond, Va. native sports an impressive 3.93 cumulative GPA majoring in economics.

VCU, the No. 4 seed in the Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championships, begins tournament play Thursday, Nov. 8 against fifth-seeded Temple at 5 p.m. Live coverage will be available at VCUAthletics.com.